"Padron mio colendissimo ..."

This volume explores the important role which epistolary exchanges play in the reconstruction of musical and theatrical contexts all over Europe in the early modern age, with particular attention to the century of the Enlightenment. Correspondence often bears witness to the reconstruction of performers' careers and theatrical venues, and to the transfers of professionals and repertoires, as well as to social themes and production issues. Archival sources, private letters, and official documents are not only rich in precious data and information, but can also provide elements for new research perspectives related to their methodological implications and to the interpretation of the music and theatre of that period, as well as to questions about historical performance practices and their current revival.